Ludham Airfield Guide

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Ludham Airfield

Take a look at our guide to Ludham Airfield. Find out more about the history of Ludham Airfield, what makes Ludham so convenient and important information about the runway.

Ludham Airfield history

In the heart of Norfolk, Ludham Airfield – also known as RAF Ludham – lies 11 nautical miles northeast of Norwich. Today it’s a private airfield but originally, when the airfield opened in 1941, it was used by the RAF to launch Spitfires and Typhoons in the Second World War.

Later, in 1944, Ludham Airfield later saw some major developments. Three runways were added, as the airfield was intended to become a USAAF fighter station – but the US Air Force never arrived. Instead, the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm took over the airfield, which resulted in Ludham being renamed HMS Flycatcher in 1944. Once World War Two was over, the airfield closed in 1946.

In the Seventies, the airfield reopened for civil aviation purposes and was used as a base for a crop spraying operation using Tiger Moths and Pawnee aircraft. Only part of one runway remains today, it is used as a private airstrip for light aircraft. You can still see evidence of Ludham Airfield’s history, with parts of the three runways and the control tower still in existence. The control tower is privately owned and is being restored by the present owners.

If you’re a keen flyer, Ludham Airfield makes a convenient gateway to the Norfolk Broads. Norwich is also within easy reach, as are coastal spots like Horsey Gap and Great Yarmouth. There are other airfields nearby, too, such as Cromer Northrepps to the Northeast and Seething to the south.

Ludham Airfield Runway

All pilots need prior permission to land at Ludham Airfield. It’s free to land here, but you can make a donation towards the airfield’s runway maintenance fund, if you wish.

As we’ve mentioned, Ludham Airfield just has one runway these days. And, unusually, you’ll notice that there’s a hangar right at the end of the runway. You can land from either the east or the west end, but landing from the west is less challenging. Flying down the south side of the hangar is strictly forbidden, as there are hazardous power cables and windsocks which must be avoided.

It’s also worth knowing that there’s no fuel available at Ludham, but there is a garage in Ludham village, just a mile up the road. Fuel is also available at the nearby airfields of Cromer Northrepps and Seething, when they’re manned.

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Please remember that this is just a simple guide to Ludham Airfield. If you’re planning to land here, you must conduct thorough research and get permission beforehand. Any pilot or passengers flying to Ludham Airfield do so at their own risk.

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